Unappreciated Jackal

Rigondeaux, 13-0 (8 knockouts), a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist at the 2000 and 2004 games, is one of those rare fighters to dominate the pros with an "amateur" style. Since turning pro in 2009, Rigondeaux has been virtually untouchable. The guy who came closest was Ricardo Cordoba, who managed a split decision loss. Other than that, Rigondeaux has been nothing short of masterful.

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His 2012 domination of pound-for-pound entrant Nonito Donaire, a rising superstar in his own rite — because he could punch — was simultaneously remarkable and brilliant.

Other than a moment when Donaire knocked Rigondeaux down, the Cuban's victory was a masterpiece of exquisite boxing skill.

Donaire couldn't sustain a modicum of momentum, as he was continuously thwarted by swift counters and supreme ring intelligence. It was truly a sensational — if not decidedly dull.

Afterward, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said he was "81 years old and would probably have to do the best promoting job I've ever done" to sell Rigondeaux.

He said the fight was unwatchable. Eight months later, Rigondeaux shut out Joseph Agbeko, and Arum was even more harsh. HBO execs were hesitant to showcase Rigondeaux again, and Arum said he didn't blame them.

Is it any wonder Rigondeaux – certainly one of boxing's premier performers — has virtually disappeared from the public consciousness?

He won't even appear on HBO this time out — despite being on the same bill as an HBO-televised show featuring China's Zou Shiming.

His opponent is Thailand's Kokietgym, 63-2-1 (28 KO's), who has lost twice to Mexico's Daniel Ponce-DeLeon in bids for the WBO junior featherweight title in 2005 and '06.

He lost the first by decision, the second by first-round KO.

He has since gone on a nine-year, 37-fight win streak.

But every one of those fights has been in Thailand, and against no one recognizable.

It's time to get on with this one and put Rigondeaux in against someone who can test him like WBC champ Leo Santa Cruz or IBF king Kiko Martinez.

Unfortunately, fights like these won't make fans or viewers like him any more.